The India Day Parade in New York took place with vibrant participation as thousands of people gathered to celebrate. The highlight of the event was a carnival float featuring a replica of the Ram Mandir, which drew significant attention and admiration from the attendees.
The parade filled the streets with patriotic energy as participants carried Indian flags and danced to the rhythmic beats of dhols. Along with patriotic songs, religious hymns were played as the Ram Mandir float made its way through the city, adorned with flowers and crafted from wood to depict the grand pink sandstone temple of Lord Ram in Ayodhya.
This 18-foot long, 9-foot wide, and 8-foot high float, intricately carved in India and flown to the U.S., was a symbol of cultural pride. The temple structure on the float echoed the beauty of Ram Lalla's idol, which had been unveiled during the Pran Pratishtha ceremony led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ayodhya earlier this year.
Marching down Madison Avenue from East 38th Street to East 27th Street, the parade also featured cultural performances and booths with food vendors. The Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), which organized the event, reported that over 40 floats, 50 marching groups, and 30 bands participated. Celebrities such as Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha, who served as the grand marshal, and actor Pankaj Tripathi, along with Indian Member of Parliament Manoj Tiwari, graced the event.
Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, who was invited by the Indian-American community to join the parade, expressed his joy over the diverse representations of Indian culture. He noted that the float showcasing the Ram Mandir symbolized India's universal message of peace, equality, and unity. "Our culture believes in one Brahma encompassing all beings," he said, emphasizing the message of global harmony.
However, not all reactions were positive. A group representing Indian American Muslims withdrew their float from the parade in protest, citing concerns about the Ram Mandir float reflecting anti-Muslim bias. Despite the controversy, the Federation of Indian Associations stood by their decision, stating that the float celebrated a significant landmark for Hindus and was meant to promote harmony and peace.
Ankur Vaidya, the Chairman of the FIA, expressed pride in the event, which marked the 42nd annual India Day Parade in New York City. "This year is special as we display a replica of the Ram Temple, marching down Madison Avenue to spread a message of goodwill and peace for all," Vaidya said, highlighting the community’s efforts and the support from local authorities and sponsors.
Vaidya urged participants to remain calm, peaceful, and respectful, ensuring the event proceeded smoothly and positively. The New York Police Department and the Mayor's office had been strong supporters of the parade over the past two decades.
The India Day Parade in New York, celebrated annually for over 40 years, continues to honor India's independence and showcase the diverse cultural heritage of Indian Americans. Despite challenges and scrutiny, the Federation of Indian Associations reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful celebration and unity among communities.
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